Octopus Energy urged customers not to turn on their washing machines during the blackout
Octopus Energy, the UK’s largest residential electricity provider, has urged its customers not to run their washing machines or dishwashers on Wednesday between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. due to the solar eclipse. In some parts of the country, the Moon is expected to block up to 95% of the Sun, according to The Guardian.
The eclipse will occur at the end of the day and is expected to wipe out the remaining solar generation in the UK. At the same time, the fifth heat wave since the start of the year could increase demand for electricity to power air conditioners, fans, and refrigeration equipment.
Octopus Energy is offering participants in its rewards program two free hours of electricity next weekend in exchange for reducing non-essential consumption during a specified time period. The company believes that postponing such household activities to a later time could reduce the need for the system operator to start up additional gas-fired power plants to compensate for the loss of solar generation.
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According to Octopus Energy’s estimates, UK households have the potential to provide 13 GW of flexible capacity through smart appliances, electric vehicles, and home batteries. The company noted that only a fraction of this potential is currently being utilized.
In Europe, the solar eclipse could reduce generation by 9.7 GW between 7:15 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., when its impact will be strongest. In the United Kingdom, the loss of solar generation could range from 700 MW to 1.3 GW, and in Spain, up to 5 GW, according to the country’s grid operator.
Analysts at RBC Capital Markets said the solar eclipse will put additional strain on Europe’s already strained power grid. Due to the heat wave and low river levels, nuclear and coal-fired power plants in Europe have been forced to cut back on production or shut down, and the drought has also affected Norway’s hydroelectric reservoirs.
